Used to be we never made big plans on the day of the big game. This year I planned to have two of our grandkids over while their mom & dad went to a party together, something they don't often get to do. Turned out we just had Madelyn while Collin went visiting with his Nana. We played together, she played by herself. She is good at doing that and we enjoy listening to her imagination go wherever she wants it to go. Then she decided it's time to play with Papa so, with her sweet hand rested on his forearm, she asked him, "Papa, can you come play dolls with me?" Usually when she asks me I'm in the middle of this or that and tell her I'll play when I'm finished with whatever. Not Papa, he got right up (during the football game!) and went into the other room to play with his cherished granddaughter, who reminds him so much of his cherished daughter. I sat on the sidelines just in case he needed assistance getting started (he did) and loved seeing the excitement on her face as she interacted with her Papa playing dolls.
A while later, she wanted ice cream. She must know that is an automatic with her Papa. He popped up and before she knew it the three of us were off to the drug store for ice cream. She genuinely seemed tickled not only that she was getting ice cream but that all three of us were going to get it together, just like that! That's the beauty of being grandparents. She came home with a jolly rancher jumbo popsicle and enjoyed every last lick!After we returned, this text exchange took place between father & son:
Green - Congrats on the win pops, it was a great game, hope you enjoyed it.
Blue - I thought MSU played with a lot of heart and deserved a better fate. Michigan had a very poor game plan. Mads is over and it was the first time I played dolls during THAT game. Can't wait for Claire to join us one of these years.
Green: Hahahahaha! That's great, that's what really matters, the second the game ended I put Claire to bed, she wasn't worried about the outcome.
Blue: Some day you will have grandkids and then all of the games just won't matter all that much next to them. Can't wait for Claire to talk.
Green: I know she is making all kinds of noise! What a blast.
Blue: Mike she is just perfect. You and Andi should never have a bad day. When things get you down, think of her. The day will brighten.
Green: Thanks pops, that is true, and great advice.
Blue: That is how mom and I feel about you and Meg and now your families. We are blessed.
Green: We definitely are.
So what is a house? It may be big, it may be small, it may be pretend, or it may simply be a house that's a home because love is there... and, when all is said and done, your family is what matters most of all anyway.
"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
